MARTIN SKRTEL has revealed how he cannot wait to go head to head with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard at Wembley tomorrow.

The no nonsense defender is set to play on the hallowed turf for the first team as Slovakia take on England in a friendly match and with Gerrard set to line up against him Skrtel admits the banter has already been flowing.

But he admits such is the quality of Fabio Capello’s squad, his own team will need a sprinkling of good fortune if they are to stand any chance of coming away with a notable result.

"The match against England will be special to me,” said Skrtel.

“To play against people like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Crouch is a challenge for me and a good match.

"This is a friendly of much prestige for Slovakia. To play at Wembley generates an extra incentive and the squad is very much looking forward to it.

"During training my team-mates have asked me questions about the English players. I have told them what I know and asked for a little luck.

“Slovakia is a team that progresses game to game and this match is very important for us to learn from.

"We want to show a good level in London and show that for us this game is not a holiday.

"During the previous week I have spoken with my companions in Liverpool and what has become clear is that we won't help each other - this is the professionalism in each footballer.

"There has been a bit of joking in the dressing room between me and Stevie.

"He has been performing brilliantly for Liverpool and battles with him are very difficult.

Meanwhile, Dirk Kuyt is the latest Anfield figure to tip Gerrard to be named PFA player of the year.